Drop Call Rate Optimization, How to identify and finding root cause for

Optimization solution on GSM and UMTS Network

Drop call rate is Main KPI that very important in RF Optimization. Drop Call indicate how
connection between Handset and Network become discontinue and causing bad experiences on
user experiences because the call is release suddenly. In this paper I will share everything I know
related drop call rate both on GSM and UMTS Network. Based on my experience the root cause
of Drop Call Rate can be listed as follow:
- Hardware Problem.
This problem is very critical related to all KPI including Drop Call rate. If the problem is
coming from hardware, percentage of drop call rate would be very high(usually more than 1 %)
and you have to replace bad module with good module. For example in GSM Network you have
to check and make sure TRX module such as GRFU/CU or Combiner/Duamco working
properly. To make sure the problem was coming from hardware or bad module, you can identify
by trying Swap module first. For example: if the problem high drop call rate is occurred in
sector-1, you can swap TRX Module sector-1 to sector-2 and Combiner from sector-1 to sector-
3. If the problem move to other sector then indicate the problem is coming from that module. For
example in the above case if the problem move to sector-2, so the problem is TRX
Module(GRFU/CU) or if the problem move to sector-3 then the problem should be
Combiner/Duamco. In UMTS Network also same, if the problem is coming from hardware then
you have to identify what module the problem is. You can identify the problem by swap WRFU
Module. If the problem high drop call happened in one site/NodeB, you can try swap
GTMU(Transmission module). Beside defect module the problem can be occurred due to wrong
or bad installation such as Semirigid connection, Cross feeder problem or etc(especially for new
site)
- Frequency Interference.
Frequency interference is include in problem that can impact to high drop call rate because the
Noise(Interference Signal) is very high and affecting to Carrier( primary Signal) and also affect
to bad vice quality. To overcome the problem in GSM network you have to re-tune/ change
Frequency that suspected Interference especially on BCCH Frequency for RF Hoping cells. As
we know in GSM there area 2 type of Frequency Interference that called Co-Channel
Interference(Same Frequency) and Adjacent Interference( Difference 1 Frequency channel).
Sample for Co-channel Frequency : Frequency Cell A= Cell B = 670 with close location of cell
each other. Sample for Adjacent Interference : Frequency Cell A=670 and Cell B=671 or 669
and the position of cells is close each of other. The solution in GSM network for interference is
retune or change Frequency for one of the cells to avoid interference. in UMTS network the
frequency interference also can occurred and indicated by bad Ec/No(Quality).Different with
GSM, to overcome Interference in UMTS network is commonly solved by Change Antenna Tilt
or reduce CPICH Power to avoid Coverage overlap. The other solution to reduce Drop call rate
in UMTS Network is by making fast IRAT handover to GSM Network. In Huawei implement by
Changing Parameter IRAT Handover 2D/2F.
- Overshooting Cells
Overshooting cell can be the one that causing high drop call rate in the network.To overcome
this issue you have to change tilt configuration of Antenna, for example change Mechanical
Tilt from 0 to 2. Overshoot is common problem for both GSM and UMTS that causing drop call
due to bad RX level in the edge of Coverage or bad RSCP and Ec/No in UMTS Network. The
solution is same for both GSM and UMTS that is change Antenna configuration tilt/Down tilt.
- Missing neighbor.
Missing neighbor also will causing High drop call rate in your network. You have to check and
make sure relation of the cells is complete and no missing neighbor. The solution is same for
both GSM and UMTS, you have to make sure no missing neighbor to avoid high drop call rate.
- Wrong Parameter Configuration
Wrong parameter configuration will causing high drop call rate in your network. Make sure to
check all parameter and configure accordingly.In GSM there is parameter related drop call rate
KPI such as : RLT(Radio Link Timeout), You can set by increase RLT to reduce drop call but
will affect to Customer Experiences because release call is too long even when radio
environment is poor and conditionally should be released. The other solution to reduce drop call
related parameter is by adjust HO Parameter to make fast handover to a good cells in
surrounding closest cells such as adjust PBGT, RXLEVMIN to target Cells. Making fast HO to a
good cells can be implemented on both GSM and UMTS Network. You have to find out
parameter related Radio Link and HO parameter in your vendor you are working for because the
Parameter name would be different but in same Idea That is Radio Link Time out and Handover
Parameter.
- Power or Transmission Problem
Power problem can make high drop call rate in the network. You have to make sure no power
problem by check the alarm and Cell Availability.If the problem occurred you need to follow up
the problem to Field Maintenance Team to fix it.
Transmission problem also can make drop call rate very high and affecting to your KPI. You
need to check alarm related transmission and make sure also cell availability is stable. If you
found transmission problem the you have to follow up the problem to Transmission Team to
check and fix it.
- Contour Problem(Hilly/Rural Contour)
Bad contour can be the one that causing high drop call rate especially if your network in Hilly or
Rural area. Check and identify your cells by drive test to make sure the problem is causing by
contour or check the coverage by Simulation. If the problem is bad contour then you have
to adjust tilt of the cell or re-azimuth make sure coverage continuous.
- Discontinuous Coverage
If your coverage discontinue due to lack of site then you need to propose new site to your
operator. Discontinue coverage also can occurred due to wrong antenna configuration such as
over tilt. You need to check tilt configuration of the antenna and make sure no over tilt that
causing coverage become discontinue.

Thanks for visiting my blog and hope can help your network problem related Drop Call Rate
Optimization on GSM and UMTS Network